Boy Moms Still Rock

I am certain that moms of all girls don't hear or see the following things that I have seen and heard over the last few days:

1. Mason (yelling): "Mom - come feel how cold my butt is."
2. This morning three of my boys (Blake included) had a Vicks Vapor Rub fight. They then tried to eat breakfast, but everything had an odd, minty aroma.
3. After taking all three boys to the doctor, we were headed for the door (finally!) and just when I thought we were all out the door, Mason remembered he hadn't chosen a sticker from the little basket. Max was crying, Marcus was impatient and Mason decided to take his time and browse through E-V-E-R-Y sticker. Marcus got irritated and left just as Mason paused...and passed some very loud gas. And as if that wasn't enough, he looked up and sighed a very long, loud "Ahhhhhh" of relief. I thought the entire waiting room was going to lose it. Fortunately I was wearing my "Boy Moms Rock" t-shirt. At times like that, it illicits a certain amount of understanding and sympathy from onlookers.
4. My van always stinks. Between Mason's crumbs and candy goo, Max's crackers and cheerios and Marcus' "teenager-ness" my van reeks. Boys smell bad.
5. I absolutely love my boys.

Family Christmas

Though there were several family gatherings over the last several days, my family celebrated Christmas at our house on Friday. Max had become a pro at opening presents by this time, and I enjoyed watching his expressions with each new package. Mason got a Shooting Gallery game from Uncle Johnny that was probably his favorite toy this year. It's like something from a carnival...complete with the noise, thank you John. My niece, Josie, wanted boots with fur and my mother and I spent two entire days combing Wichita looking for a pair in her size...mission accomplished, and she looked so cute in them at church Sunday. Here are a few snapshots of the festivities...

An attempt at a family portrait

Mason handcuffing Aunt Donna

Marcus loves Toby Mac and Dark Chocolate!
Max opening another gift